A RARE IMPERIAL CINNABAR LACQUER FOUR-WHEELED CART QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the lower section comprising of a rectangular drawer with a small bat gilt-metal handle, with an open-top second tier covered with a tray framed with a pierced balustrade and apron, enclosing four L-shaped boxes centred around a rectangular box, each of the covers on the L-shaped boxes carved with two of the Daoist emblems, with a bat and clouds, the rectangular box with five bats, a chime, and a peach spray, all reserved against a diaper ground pattern repeated along the sides, the main body carved with dense stylised scrolling lotus and archaistic fretwork, all supported on four freely turning wheels with tight cloud lappets centred by a chrysanthemum and held in place with gilt metal pins

The overall condition is very good with only a few minor chips and a couple of age cracks to the lacquer surface.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Lacquer boxes of this 'chariot' form are quite rare, although a very similar two-tiered red-lacquer box from the National Palace Museum collection was included in the Special Exhibition of Palace Lacquer Objects, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1981, cat.no. 58. Another similar example in the Bejing Palace Museum is illustrated in Gugong bowuyuan Cang Diaoqi ('Carved Lacquer in the Collection of the Palace Museum'), Beijing, 1985, no. 361.  And a third example of this form was sold in our London rooms, 9th November 2005, lot 252. 

Compare also another closely related lacquer cart from the A.W. Bahr collection included in A.W. Bahr, Old Chinese Porcelain and Works of Art in China, London, 1911, pl. CXVII. Compare also a cinnabar lacquer scroll case and cover in the shape of a carriage but with three cylinders carved to simulate scrolls on the cover sold in these rooms, 18/19th December 1973, lot 464.